Reannan Butler '23 Recruiting Profile

Like most young athletes my mom signed me up for every athletic activity from dance to karate. Softball was one sport that I immediately loved but I was not immediately skilled in playing. As a baby I had a heart condition which required me to take medicine, the medicine caused damage to my baby teeth which needed to be removed. As a little toothless girl, I was shy and bullied which caused me to develop a lack of confidence and a learning disability.

The softball field became a fortress of solitude, I was not teased for my academic ability or forced to show my toothless smile. I enjoyed softball so much that I wanted the ball more which drove me to become a pitcher. The processing of becoming a pitcher gave me the confidence I needed to overcome my obstacles in school. My mom had strict rules that grades were more important than sports and she knew softball would help motivate me to get good grades. I would work twice as hard, stay up late, ask for extra credit and work on weekends between games all so I could play softball.

In managing my learning disabilities, I have gained respect and appreciation for teachers and special education aides. In Arizona Native Americans have one of the lowest graduation rates at 63.67% along with students with disabilities at 65.77%. This is my new goal to help others like me and show them you can graduate. Obtaining a college education will be a stepping stone in the right direction; maybe I will be a teacher, coach, or speech therapist. I know I am a hard worker; I am willing to put the time and effort into to earn my spot on the team.